Edicts are few and far between in a democracy, since very few important laws can be made by a president or prime minister acting alone. But when a crisis arose in the Roman Republic, the senate would appoint a dictator, who would have the power to rule by edict. The idea was that the dictator could make decisions quickly, issuing his edicts faster than the senate could act. When the crisis was over, the edicts were canceled and the dictator usually retired from public life. Things are different today: dictators almost always install themselves in power, and they never give it up.
The government issued an edict banning public demonstrations. the school board's edict put a new student dress code into effect
Recent Examples on the WebEven though the current Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, effectively renewed the fatwa against him in 2017, the edict seemed to have lost its power. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2022 As California consumes 12 percent of US new car sales, the edict makes a dramatic impact on the industry as a whole, not to mention pending votes among 12 states this week for similar legislation which could bolster the movement. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2022 The Islamic edict came amid a violent uproar in the Muslim world over the novel, which some viewed as blasphemously making suggestions about the Prophet Muhammad's life. Jon Gambrell, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Aug. 2022 The Islamic edict came amid a violent uproar in the Muslim world over the novel, which some viewed as blasphemously making suggestions about the Prophet Muhammad’s life. Nasser Karimi And Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2022 To Bautista, the edict seems contradictory and sad. Alejandra Ibarra Chaoul, Washington Post, 17 June 2022 Khomeini’s edict was the first time a Muslim militant had the audacity to apply an Islamic punishment deep inside the West. Reuel Marc Gerecht, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led Iran after its 1979 revolution, issued an edict known as a fatwa on Feb. 14, 1989. Hurubie Meko, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Aug. 2022 But this year, a Mexico City politician issued an edict. Alejandra Ibarra Chaoul, Washington Post, 17 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin edictum, from neuter of edictus, past participle of edicere to decree, from e- + dicere to say — more at diction